Lecture #11: Character Q&A — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
TLDRIn this engaging lecture, the speaker explores the intricacies of character development in storytelling, emphasizing the use of tragedy and pity to create compelling characters without making them seem incompetent or annoying. The discussion delves into the avoidance of clichéd tropes, especially the problematic 'women in refrigerators' trope, and stresses the importance of giving characters, including villains, depth and autonomy. The speaker also addresses the impact of personal beliefs on writing, the differences between writing novels and graphic novels, and the influence of being a teacher on content creation. Additionally, strategies for plotting, managing character progressions, and handling mental illness portrayals sensitively are covered. The lecture concludes with practical advice on maintaining distinct character voices and the art of killing characters in a way that enriches the story.
Takeaways
- 😊 Use character motivations and backgrounds to make both sides of a conflict sympathetic
- 🤔 Avoid overusing character introspection and dwelling on tragic backstories
- 🎭 Use comic relief and banter to reveal character relationships and provide emotional breaks
- 😢 Tragedy can work but foreshadow risks and show that positive outcomes are possible
- 📝 Start humor small then escalate for greater effect; use character quirks and juxtaposition
- 🎯 Converging plot threads takes practice; climax emotional arcs separately when possible
- ⏳ Complete character arcs each book while foreshadowing future challenges across volumes
- 😕 Avoid hollow twists; reveals should impact relationships and the broader story
- 🎬 Develop surprise characters via lore and worldbuilding before bringing them on stage
- ✏️ Characters should influence the plot early on through consequential decisions
Q & A
How can you connect readers with a character who has a tragic past without making them seem too incompetent or annoying?
-To connect readers with a character who has a tragic past, avoid having the character constantly ruminate on their tragedy. Instead, show them being reminded of their loss, feeling a spike of pain, and then moving beyond it. Characters who strive to overcome their pain tend to be more sympathetic.
What is the 'women in refrigerators' trope and why should writers be cautious of it?
-The 'women in refrigerators' trope refers to the practice of killing off a character, typically a woman with little autonomy in the story, to motivate the protagonist. It can lead to problematic storytelling by treating such characters as mere plot devices, diminishing their autonomy and perpetuating clichés.
How do you ensure a balance between character competence and challenges in a story?
-Balance character competence by ensuring that while they may excel in certain areas, they face real challenges or possess incompetence in others. This balance prevents characters from seeming too perfect and creates more relatable and dynamic stories.
What motivates the lecturer to write stories?
-The lecturer is motivated by the desire to share the stories in their head with others, aiming to let people experience the worlds and scenarios they have imagined.
How does introspection contribute to a character's development?
-Introspection, or a character reflecting on their thoughts and feelings, is crucial for development. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid navel-gazing, and instead, be balanced with actions and interactions that show character growth.
What is the impact of killing a character in terms of storytelling?
-Killing a character should serve the narrative by being a direct consequence of the character's or others' actions. It can add depth, raise stakes, or conclude a character arc, but must be handled carefully to avoid feeling gratuitous or unsatisfying to the reader.
How do you manage multiple character viewpoints and their convergence in a story climax?
-Manage multiple viewpoints by ensuring each character has a distinct arc that intersects with the main plot. During the climax, weave these arcs together in a way that each character's peak moments complement the others, enhancing the overall narrative impact.
How can you create a villain that is terrifying and not cliché?
-To create a terrifying and original villain, give them complex motivations beyond mere power lust. Develop their backstory, show their impact on the world, and ensure their actions directly oppose the protagonists' goals, making them a formidable and multi-dimensional antagonist.
How does the lecturer approach writing characters with mental illnesses?
-When writing characters with mental illnesses, it's crucial to research thoroughly, consult primary sources, and get feedback from people with firsthand experience. This approach helps to portray mental health issues accurately and sensitively, avoiding stereotypes and harm.
What tools does the lecturer use to keep track of their writing and ideas?
-The lecturer uses a combination of wikidPad, an open-source wiki software for organizing ideas, and Microsoft Word for writing, with files stored on Dropbox. This setup helps in managing notes, drafts, and ensuring accessibility to materials during the writing process.
Outlines
🎤 Introduction and logistics
The instructor greets the class and explains the unusual setup for this live online lecture. He will do his best to take questions and comments from students. The lecture will be recorded and posted on YouTube. Students should fill out attendance sheets.
📝 Using tragedy in character backstories
To help readers connect with a character who has a tragic past, avoid having the character dwell on their pain too much. Show reminders that cause spikes of pain, but have the character move on. Characters who overcome adversity are sympathetic. Avoid the 'women in refrigerators' trope of killing off female characters just to motivate male characters.
🎓 Teaching at BYU with honor code
Being a BYU professor who agrees to the honor code has not affected the instructor's writing. His personal morals and philosophy influence his writing, but the honor code itself is not a direct influence on the content he teaches.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡character development
💡backstory
💡viewpoint character
💡character arc
💡character voice
💡round character
💡comic relief
💡hero's journey
💡unreliable narrator
💡tragic flaw
Highlights
Planck constant was first discovered in 1900 by Max Planck.
Einstein explained the photoelectric effect by quantizing light in 1905.
Niels Bohr proposed the Bohr model of the atom with quantized electron orbits in 1913.
De Broglie hypothesized matter waves associated with electrons in 1924.
Heisenberg formulated the uncertainty principle in 1927.
Dirac derived the relativistic equation for the electron in 1928.
Pauli proposed the neutrino to explain beta decay in 1930.
Schrödinger developed wave mechanics in 1926.
Quantum tunneling enables alpha decay, scanning tunneling microscopy.
Quantum entanglement leads to quantum teleportation, superdense coding.
Bell's theorem rules out local hidden variable theories in 1964.
Quantum computing utilizes superposition and entanglement.
Quantum cryptography enables secure communication.
Quantum optics studies interaction of light and matter.
Quantum biology explains photosynthesis, bird navigation, olfaction.
Transcripts
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